The idea for the founding of Antioch Baptist Church was conceived in May,1889 in a small room in a house on Chicago Street in the New Chicago subdivision. Here a group consisting of the "Founder", Rev. Buckner, his wife, Sis. Mattie Young, Sis. Faulkner and Bro. and Sis. Doby assembled and conducted prayer meetings regularly. Sensing the need for a "Church Home", they decided to do something about it.
Organizational plans were developed by Revs. Buckner, Thomas and Barlett and on September 5, 1899 the completed church was dedicated. Rev. A. J. Buckner was elected pastor and Bros. Essex Lee, Doby and Ausberry were elected as deacons. Rev. Buckner served until his death with the following succeeding him: Rev. Faulkner, Rev. Smith, Rev. Glispie Woodards. The church was moved to Jones Avenue, now known as Bellevue Boulevard. After many years of service, Rev. Woodards resigned.
In the years following, Antioch was pastored by Rev. Johnson, Rev. Bolden and Rev. L.J. Barton. Succeeding Rev. Barton was Rev. Gatewood, Rev. James Naylor and Rev. J.H. Griffin. The frame church as it stood was brick veneered under the pastorate of Rev. J.H. Griffin who died while still pastor of the church.
Rev. O.V. Garner was the next pastor called to Antioch followed very closely by Rev. Brady Johnson. The membership continued to grow under the pastorate of Rev. Johnson, who served diligently for nineteen (19) years until his resignation on Christmas morning, 1975.
Again a search was begun for a shepherd and a leader. Rev. Robert Guy was selected to fill this vacancy. Rev. Guy preached his first sermon on the 5th Sunday in February, 1976. Rev. Guy served faithfully until his death in March, 1982.
Rev. Guy was succeeded by our present, most capable and devoted leader, Rev. Carl E. Shields . Rev. Shields was chosen as our leader in August, 1982 and was officially installed as the pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Sunday, October 31, 1982.
Antioch has now been incorporated and the official name changed to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church-New Chicago, Inc.
Our Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealing, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
